POLICE have traced a car suspected of knocking down a 13-year-old boy who was trying to cross a motorway on his way home.

Michael Easton was found dead on the westbound carriageway of the M9, between junctions 5 and 6 near to Cadgers Brae interchange, Grangemouth, at 5.40am on Saturday.

He was last seen at 9.50pm on Friday in Grangemouth town centre and was expected at his home in the nearby town of Polmont in Falkirk around that time.

Police Scotland said they have traced the driver and vehicle suspected of being involved in the collision. Officers believe Michael crossed the eastbound carriageway before the collision.

The police are continuing to appeal for information and particularly want to speak to the driver of a silver Audi which was travelling west on the road between 9.50pm and 10.15pm on Friday and may have witnessed the crash.

Flowers are laid as a tribute for Michael Eaton (Image: Dominic Cocozza)

Detective Inspector Graeme Hendry said: "We have had a good response from the public and as a result we were able to narrow down the timeframe.

"I am appealing to all drivers who were on the motorway between these times to contact the police service on 101.

"Investigations are continuing into the cause of the collision and Michael's family have requested privacy during this time."

The 13-year-old's family said they have been "left utterly devastated" by his death in a statement released through police.

The family said: "Michael was a quiet and well-behaved boy, who never caused any trouble and who would have helped anybody. He loved his family deeply.

"It is difficult not knowing exactly what happened to Michael and we would ask that anyone who knows anything that can help the police with their investigation to pick up the phone."